Spinal adjusting and stretching apparatus.



A.A.,POOL. SPINAL ADJUSTING Aria STRETCHINGAPPARATUS" APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I, 1915.

. Patehted Fb.29,1916.

' 3 $HEETSSHEETI INVENTUR.

A. A. POOL; i SPlNAt ADJUSTING AND STRETC HING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FI LED SEPT- H1915.

Pafented Feb. 29,1916.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Fig. v

I A. A. POOL. SPINAL ADJUSTING AND STREICHING APPARATUS" APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 7. 1915. I Patented Feb. 29, 1916.

3 SHEETS SHtET 3.

"To all whom it mag concern: Be it known that I, ARNOLD 'A. -POOL, a

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARNOLD A'.'PO0L, or TOLEDO, oHIo, ASSIGNOR or ONE-HALF T .rosnrn w. xonz, or

' TOLEDO, 01110.-

SPINAL ADJUSTING AND STRETCHING APPARATUS.

citizen of the United States, and a'resident of Toledo, in the county of Lucas and State 4 'of Ohio, have invented acertain new and f'useful .Spinal ,Adjusting and Stretching following to be a full, clearyand exact de Apparatus; and I do hereby declare the scription {of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it ap'pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to. the' characters of reference marked thereon,-Which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates'to apparatus used in connection with the treatment of the I spine, and particularly to a table .or appa- 'ratus adapted for use in stretching, vibrating and adjusting thespine whereby to restore or correct structural defectstherein and to prevent thinning of the lntervertehrae cartilages and the results engendered thereby.

The object of my invention is the provision of an improved apparatus of the class described which is comparatively simple 1n its construction and operation and easily and quickly adjustable to apply pressure to the body at opposite s des of the spine and in a properly distributed manner to suit the requirement of the particular case under treatment, whereby to enhance the practica bility and commercial value of such appa-- ratus. p

'A further object of my invention is the provision in an apparatus-of the class'described, "of separate vertebrae supporting members corresponding in number to the vertebrae of the patient and vrelativelyadjustable to suit the requirements of the case, and also relatively movable'to permit ".Couch frame.

a"'separating thereof as the vertebrae supported thereby separate undera stretchingff *couch andis preferably removable therefrom. Body supporting wings 6 are mount ed on" the top side edge portions of the tension.

jfA further object of my invention'is the 1 provision of 1'neans, i n combination with the vertebrae supporting pads, for i1npart- S- vibratory, movements to the pads to facilitate the stretching action.

detailed description thereof; 1*

WVhil'e theinvention"; n lts broader aspect isyc'apable ofembodiment in numerous Specif cation of Letters Patent.

forms, preferred embodiment thereof is illustrated in the accompanying drawings,

in which, I

Figures 1 and 2 are top plan and side views of an. apparatus embodying my in- ,VQHUOII w th portions broken away. Fig. 3 1s {LVQIlIlCfil cross-section on the line 00, m

on the shaker frame. Fig. 6 is an enlarged section on the line y, y in Fig. 1. Fig.7 is

an enlarged perspective View of the adjustable bracing member for the vertebrae pads. Fig. 8 is an enlarged elevation of one of Patented Feb. 29, 1916.

Application filed September 7, 1915. Serial No. 49,267. I

the vertebrae pads and its supporting parts.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of'the free end portion of one ofthe legs of the pad supporting yoke. Fig. 10 is aperspective view of one of the pads removed from the supporting yoke and with a part broken away. Fig. 11 is a perspective View of the lower cross-arm of the pad supporting means- Figs. 12 and 13 arev views of the head and arm harnesses. Fig. 14 is a diagrammatical View of the'electric wiring for the motor and electric heating elements of the apparatus, and Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the 'hip supporting means.

4 Referring to the drawngs, -1, 1 designate "the sides and2, 2 the ends of a. table or couch frame provided on its top with the two head rest parts or pads 3, 3, which are "placed side by side on the couch frame and are preferably adjustable transversely of the frame to permit a placing of the same in spaced or close relation. The edges of *theipads 3, which 'are disposed toward thev foot of the couch, are disposed over and rest upon a transverse partition piece 4 of the A foot pad or leg'support i5 is mounted on the. foot portion of the.

couch frame intermediate the head and foot rests 3 and 5, and are adjustable transversely of the couch to vary'thedistance therebetween, and also be swung downward to inoperat veiipositlon at the sides ofthe I, couch names shown at one side of each of Figs. 1, 2 and'3. "In order to permit suchadjustment of theside wings 6 each is provided at its under side with a metal strap 7 which extends from one edge to the other thereof in slightly spaced relation to the under side of the wing and is provided at its inner end with an outwardly projecting looped portion 8, as best shown in Fig. 3. A hinge staple 9 is secured to the upper edge of the adjacent couch side 1 for each strap 7 and loosely embraces the portion of the strap beneath the wing for sliding and pivotal movements relative thereto. wing has been moved outward a sufficient distance to place the staple 9 in register with the loop 8 the wing can be swung downward at the side of the couch frame, as is apparent.

10, 10 designate partition members which extend lengthwise of the couch frame intermediate the head partition member f and foot partition member 11, which latter is disposed transversely of the frame at the inner edge of the foot-piece 5 and are arranged in transversely spaced relation to form a narrow elongated central opening 12 in the couch frame between the cross part1- tion members a and 11. The upper edges of the members 10, 10 are disposed below the top plane of the couch, as bestshown in Fig. 3.

Mounted vertically within the space 12 are a plurality of U-shaped yokes 13, which are disposed side by side and form a set of relatively movable vertebrae supportlng members that extend lengthwise of the space 12 for a considerable distance from the head end thereof. These yokes 13 preferably correspond in number to the number of vertebrae in the spine and each carries a pad 14. at the outer end of each of its legs at the inner side thereof, as best shown in Figs. 3 and 8. The pads 14 for each yoke are transversely spaced to permit the pads to bear against theoppositeside portions of a vertebra in supporting relation thereto. Each pad 14 is pivotally carried by therespective leg of the yoke 13 by reason of a pivot pin. or other shaft like part 15-projecting transversely through the solid portion of the pad and from one end thereof to adapt such projected end to be removably inserted into a bearing notch 16 in the outer end of the yoke leg, the extreme outer end of the part 15 being headed to prevent an axial withdrawal thereof from the hearing notch. The lower end of the pad is notched at the outer side edge thereof, as at 17. to fit over a stud 18 on the leg of the yoke below the notch 16 when the pivot pin 15 is inserted in the notch 16. The notch 17 is wider than the stud 18 to permit a limited melting of the pad on the pivot pin 15, thereby enabling the pad to automatically adjust itself to the formation of the vertebra as the weight of the body is exerted thereon. The top surface of each pad When the 14 is preferably faced with a soft or cushion-like material, such for instance as felt, and the pads are graduated or vary in width in accordance with the narrowing of the successive vertebrae of the spine.

Each yoke 13 is supported by a stcm.l9 which extends downward from the looped portion thereof and projects loosely at its lower end through a cross-arm 20, the ends of which are provided with trunnions 21 for seating in axially registering bearing reoesses 22 provided in the opposite side portions of a rectangular supporting frame 23. The frame 23 is adjustably suspended below the couch frame by a set of four cables 2st as hereinafter more fully described, and

the vertical'movements of the frame 23 are guided by rods 25 projecting downward from the under side of the couch frame and loosely through registering corner openings 26 in the frame 23. The bearing recesses 22 are closely arranged in successive order along the respective sides of the frame and enable the cross-arms 20 to be I110"(l lengthwise of the frame 23 and placed in a desired set of bearing recesses to suit the desired spacing of the pad carrying yokes 13.

A rod or stem-like member 27 rises rigidly from each cross-arm 20 at one side of its stem 19 and has its upper end threaded to adjustably carry a stop nut 28. The upper end of the rod 27 above the nut 28 projects into the socket 29 in the lower end of a plunger member 30 and is adapted to have free reciprocatorv movements in such socket. The plunger 30 projects loosely down through a registering socket in a head part 31, and is provided at its upper end with a shoulder or plunger 32 for limiting its downward movement through the head socket, as is apparent by reference to Fig. 8. The head 31 has a vertical opening through which the stem 19 loosely projects and carries a lever form of pawl 33, which is fulcrumed in the head adjacent to one side of the stem, as at 34, and has its short inner arm in the form of a tooth for upward engagement with a registering one of a set of ratchet teeth 35 on the adjacent side of the stem 19. The outer or long arm of the pawl 33 extends outward over the top of the plunger 30 in adjacent relation thereto and is connected at its outer end with a downwardly projecting coiled contractile spring 36 to a subjacent portion of the head 31. The spring 36 resists a movement of the pawl 33 which will release it from engagement with aregistering tooth on the stem 19. A coiled compression spring 37 is carried by the stem 19 between the yoke 13 and head 31 with its respective end thrusts thereagainst andlasimilar spring 38 is carried by the stem 19 between the cross-arm 20 and head 31 to maintain the same in yielding: spaced relation.

tion to the head 31. When the yoke 13 is l lowered by the application of a downward j pressure thereon the spring 37 remainsinactive and the spring 38 alone permits a yield ng downward movement of the yoke and its stem. When the stem and head 31 have lowered a sufficient distance to move.

the lower end of the plunger into stop engagement with the nut 28 said plunger then stands still during a continued lowering of the stem and head, so that the head lowers thereon, thereby moving the long arm of the pawl lever 33 into trip engagement with the plunger and efl'ectinga tripping of the pawl from engagement with the teeth-35L The releasing of the head 31 in this manner with respect to the stem 19 brings the spring 37 into play and neutralizes' the compression between it and-the spring 38, thus reducing the upward pressure on the yoke 13; The. purpose of this construction is to enable an equalizing of j the pressure of the several vertebrae .supporting yokes against .the respective verte- ,brae so as to compensate for curvature in the, spine. For instance a patient might have quite a. decided spinal curvature so that when placed on the table the curvature of the spine would cause some of the supporting yokes to be lowered a much greater extent than others, thereby applying a greater pressure against some vertebrae than others. With my compensating feature the nuts 28 j. of different supporting units are setto effeet a." tripping of the respective pawls 33 as the particular formation of the spine may require so that if one supporting yoke is lowered more than others the pawl 33 thereof will be tripped to effect a neutralizing of the spring action between the two springs 37 and 38, thus reducing the inward pressure of the particular supporting yoke against the spine so that its pressure more at-nearly approaches the pressure of the other supports.

It is evident that the yokes 13 are. permitifted to have relative swinging movements lengthwise of the couch about the respective cross-arm trunnions; that the pads "14 have oscillatory movementsrelat ve.tg.the I g I 4 A frame transversely thereof; and ,ha

will automatically. adjust themselves to ..the curvature or form of theLback asthewerght respective supporting yokes 13topermit an automatic adjustment of the pads -to the surface encountered at each side'jofj thespine. and that the pads and yokes are also permitted to have yielding vertical= mo\]'ements so that the different pads of the set of the body i's'applie'd thereto; I a s; In order to prevent the yokes 13 at. the

foot end of the set from swinging rearward 1,

shown in Figs. 1i and 2. he cables-"24,ex-

for rece ving g and ratchet 51 coact to pfevent'a' b or into the I IIIOCCUPlGd QQI-U EGE H Of 1Zh6:;space 12 when a patient is being placedgon theiapparatus, a bracing or holdingmetnberg39 is mounted. preferably, in an adjustablegnanner between the partitionmembers 10 within the, space 12' in'position to ibear against the outer yoke 13 and holdit igand its companions in substantial upright position at the forward or headend of the'space 12, as shown in Figs. 1 and- 2.-.-.,Th ef jloer 7'5 39 is mounted for adjustment lengthwise of the space 12 as the. desired spacing 9?,Dl1mber of yokes 13 employed may-require, it being understood that the 'spacing fofighe yoke's is fchanged for bodies ,"Of :-;dlfiQ l:f 8G lengths, and that in some cases the number of vertebrae in the spine vary fron the customary number, so "that itis necessary to either, remove one, of the. yokes er -insert. additionalones to suit the particularfcase 55 In the present instance, the bracin member 39 is provided at its, inner'end with a;..hub part =10 having an [axial pening therethrough, andi mountedv in each end efgsuch 7 opening for reciprocatory mojgements therein is a trunnion parttl-thatis' provided. at its outer endwith a crossarin42, which. is' provided with two studs ,43 inserting into. a desired pair of a set openingsjif fl provided in therespective partition inember 'p s 10 as best shown in Fig 7; coiled pression. spring 45 is .mountednuvithin gthe hub opening; of the. member and bears outward in. opposite directio s e-gain {the I inner ends of the trunnionsAlto. n

i L .1: forcesuch trunnions outwardi-tp. ret

- studsel-3 within the respective A coiled contractile-spring ldconnectssthe forward end of each arm 42=to a registering leg. of the member 39 and serves to yield; ingly cause such meniber tmbear.forwa-rd against the rearor foot end of ,t heyokejset. The cables 24 which carri :the fra e-'23 extend upward from the respeetive corners of said frame-,over vertically registering 11o sheaves {l7 secured on crossjsliafts 4'8that are suitably mounted in the lower portion 'of the :couch frame transversely thereof as tend rearward'of' the couch frame withl the llfi forward .pair passing over a set of sheaves" on the rear shaft 48 and with both pairigtli en winding on the Windlass shaftfft'9,, whiclu is journaled in the foot portion or tl' co ujch H i dia thout thelfram'e' a [crank-handle; 50. 1 km? ing or unwinding of the 'windla I 152 qdcsignat es a] shaft that d;5125 transversely Yin, the foot; port on 15 the couch frame between the'shafts.

an d.has. two crank or eccentric portion f53 at rppi'nts above the cables Mounted loosely on each of these eccentric portions 15.}30

a pulley 54, which is peripherally grooved carried thereby: The shaft 52 is driven,

in the present instance, by a motor 55, which is mounted under the foot portion of the couch frame and has chain and sprocketwheel connection 56 with the shaft 52. The motor 55 is shown as being mounted on a bracket 57 beneath the foot end portion of V the couch frame.

It is-found that the application of heat to the spine and adjacent portions of the body causes a relaxation of the muscles and renders the treatment more effective. This is accomplished by arranging a set of electricheating elements within the upper portion of the couch at the outer side of each partition member 10, and also a set of heating elements within the space 1.2 so that heat is not only applied to the body at each side of the spine but also di'rectlyto the spine between the set of pads 14. In the present instance, the heating elements are in the form of incandescent lamps 58 with the elements of the intermediate set carried by certain of the yokes 13, as best shown in Fig. 3. The heating elements are shown, in the present instance, as being wired in series and having a .rheostatic switch control 59, as illustrated in Fig. 14. In this figure, 60 designatesthe rheostatic switch control for the motor 55.

The head harness 61, which may be of any suitable form for attaching to the head is connected preferably in an adjustable manner by a strap 62 to an eye 63 on a standard 64, which is vertically disposed at the forward or head end of the couch-and which, in the present instance, is carried or rises from the outer end of the rearwardly extending bar 65 that is loosely inserted into a pipe form of socket member 66 that is secured within the head end portion of the couch longitudinally thereof. The bar 65 is adjustable lengthwise of the member 66 and is held in adjusted position by the insertion of a pin 67 through an opening in the pipe member 66 and one of a series of openings 68 in the bar as best shown in Fig. 6. The

upper end of the standard 64 is provided f with a cross-arm 69, each end of which is provided with an eye 70 to whlch an arm engaging strap 71 may be attached. Each strap 71 is provided at one end witha stirrup member 72 for engaging under the shoulder blades.

' A body strap 73 for engaging around the hips of a person is connected by a cable 7A to a windlasq '75. to the shaft of which the crank handle 50 may be applied. The body embracing strap 78 is attached to the top of a hip supporting table 76 that is mounted on a pair of supports 77, each of which is the same as the yielding vertebrae supports except that the table 76 is pivotally carried at the upper end of each in place of the padsli. The-supports 77 are also yieldingly, swingingly and adjustably carried by the frame 23 the same as the vertebrae supports, thus enabling the table to vertically yield as the weight of the body is applied thereto, to swing lengthwise of the couch frame in accordance with any stretching or lengthwise movement of the body, and to be adjusted with respect to the couch frame to suit the length of the patients body.

The operation of my invention is as follows: The body carrying yokes 13 having been adjusted in proper position to suit the length of the patients body, the patient is placed on the couch with his hips resting on the table 76, his headdisposed between the head pieces 3, 3 and with the pads 1.4 disposed under the respective vertebrae of the spine, a pair of pads being provided for each vertebra and being narrowed to suit the size or width of the vertebra which it is intended to support. The head and arm enhaving been turned into the heating elements.

54: to heat and cause a relaxing ofthe muscles so that they will submit more readily to treatment, the operator slowly turns the Windlass to wind the cable 7 1 thereon and effect a consequent stretching of the body and separating of the "vertebrae, the vertebrae supporting pads lat moving with the re spective vertebrae as they separate. If, as sometimes happens, it is desired to apply a separating strain more particularly to two adjoining vertebrae, the spine supporting members 13, 1a are strapped together in two sets, the sets being divided at the desired point of separation so that a separation of such members will occur only at the dividing point between the sets. It will. of course, be understood that the weight of the body on the supporting members 13, 1a and hip supporting table 76 causes a. greater or less lowering of such members against the tension of their supporting springs and enables the members to conform to the shape or curva tlllQOf the spine. If it is desired to facilitate the stretching action by imparting vibratory movements to the spine, the motor movement is imparted to the spine support .ing pads and the table 76 by the frame 23. The capability of the different vertebrzc supporting members to have relative opening, and closing movements lengthwise of the coucln and relative yielding vertical and I vibratory movements, and also the capa-billty of the pads 14 to have movements relative to the supporting yokes admirably o adapts the apparatus for the purpose for which it is intended and enables it to be put to a-variety of uses in connection with the- 001:18Ct10f10f spinal troubles, as will be ap-' parent to persons skilled in the art.

WVhile I have-herein shown and described one specific embodiment of my invention for illustrative purposes, and have disclosed and-discussed in detail the construction and arrangement incidental to onespe a frame,,a horizontally disposed..member carried by said frame for rocking move-.

ments in aplane lengthwise thereof, a standard rising from said member for yielding 1 longitudinal movements relative thereto,"

and means carried by said standard at its upper end for engaging a single vertebra at opposite sides of its longitudinal center and serving as a support therefor.

a vertebra supporting member having transversely spaced vertebra supporting parts for simultaneously acting on a vertebra, and means supporting I said member for swinging movements lengthwise of the axis of the vertebra which it supports;

3. In an apparatus of the class described, ,a vertebra supporting member having pivotally movable vertebra coacting parts which 50,,are spaced to engage and simultaneously support opposite side portions of a vertebra,

j .4. In an apparatus of the class described,

a vertebra supporting member having trans-"- verselv spaced vertebra supporting parts for .56 simultaneously acting on a vertebra and means supporting said member for move. .ments lengthwise of the vertebra axis which.

- it supports. I 5...;In*a'n apparatus of the-class described, a vertebra supporting memberhaving spaced 5 vertebra supporting parts, and meanss upportinga.-said member for yielding vertical 6'. In an apparatus of theclassdescnbed,

' a vertebra supporting memberhaving spaced 2. In an apparatus of the class described,

vertebra engaging parts, and means supporting said member for yielding vertical movements and limited oscillatory n'iovements.

' 7. In. an apparatus of the class described,

.a vertebra supporting member having sep arate vertebra supporting parts .which are movable relative to the member and to each other and removable from the member. I

8. In an apparatus of the class described, a yoke having upstanding arms, spaced vertebra parts carried by the arms of said yoke, and means supporting said yoke for limited horizontal and yielding vertical movements.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, I

a yoke having upstanding parts, separate vertebra supporting parts movably carried by the upstanding parts of" the yoke, and means supporting said yoke for limited horizontal and yielding vertical movements. W

10. In an apparatus of the'class described, a member for supporting engagement with a vertebra. at opposite sides thereof, and'mca ns yieldingly supporting said member.

11. In an apparatus of theclass described, a horizontally movable member for supporting engagement witha vertebra at opposite sides thereof, and means for supporting said member for yielding vertical movements.

12. Man apparaths of the class described,

a member for supporting.engagement with a vertebra at opposite sides thereof, and

vertically adjustable -means carrying said member;

13. In an apparatus of the class described, a yoke, means movably carried by said v for transversely spaced supporting en, ment with averte'bra, and vertically ad ustable means supporting said yoke for yielding vertical and tiscillatory movements.

14. In an apparatus of the class described, a "vertically adjustable frame, a member yieldingly supported by said frame andhaving a. vertebra supporting part at its upper end. 1 15. In an apparatus of theclass' described,

a vertically adjustable 'frame, a member yieldingly supported bysaid frame and having spaced vertebra supporting portions at its upper end. v

16. In an apparatus of the class described, a vertically adjustable frame, a member mounted on said frame for .oscillatory and yielding verticalmovements, and having a vertebra supporting portion. at its upper end. 17 In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, apart pivotally carried by said frame, a vertically disposed stein movably projected through said part, a vertebra engaging member carried by sa 1d stem at its upperv end, and means for yieldingly sup porting said member above said part.

18. In an apparatus ofthe class described, a- .vertically movable stem, means guiding themovements of said stem and coacting therewith to yieldingly support the stem and eke e bratory movements to said member.

21. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, a vertebra supporting member carried by said frame, and means for vibrating said frame and member.

In an apparatus of the class described, a vertically adjustable frame, a vertebra supporting member carried by said frame for adjusting movements therewith, and means for vibrating said frame and member inany position of adjustment thereof.

23. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, cables supporting said frame, and

means operable in coaction with said cables to vibrate said frame and member.

24. 111 an apparatus of the class described,

a frame, means having flexible parts supporting said frame and operable to vertically adjust the same, a vertebra supporting member carried by said frame, and means operable to coact with the flexible parts of said first means to impart vibrating movements to said frame and member.

25. In an apparatus of the class described, a set of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members.

26. In an apparatus of the class described, a set of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members, one for each vertebra.

27. In an apparatus of the class described, a set of individual vertebrae supporting members mounted for relative separating movements.

28. In an apparatus of the class described, a set of individual vertebrae supporting members mounted for relativ= horizontal separating and vertical movements.

29. In an apparatus of the class described, a set of individual vertebrae supporting members mounted for relative horizontal separating and yielding vertical movements.

30. In an apparatus of the class described,

a plurality of individual vertebrae supporting members, and means supporting said members for horizontal and yielding vertical movements.

31. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of individual vertebrae supporting members, and means supporting said members for yielding vertical movements and for relative swinging movements in a common plane toward and away from each other.

ried by said members.

porting said members for movements toward and away from each other to'vary the space therebetween and for vertical yielding movements.

33. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of vertebrae supporting members,

and means carrying said members for rela. tive separatlng movements and for y elding vertical movements.

34. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, a plurality of vertebrae supporting members carried by said frame for relative separating movements and being relatively adjustable lengthwise of the frame to vary the spacing therebetween.

35. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, standards supported by'and yieldingly rising from said frame, said standards having vertebrae supporting parts at their upper ends and being adjustable lengthwise of the frame to vary the spacing between the standards.

a plurality of individual vertebrae supporting members, and means for vibrating said members.

38. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of individual vertebra supporting members mounted for relative horizontal and yielding vertical movements, and means for imparting vibratory movements to said members.

39. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame. a plurality of vertebrae supporting members carried by said frame, and means for imparting vibratorv movements to the frame.

40. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, means for vertically adjusting the frame, a pluralitv of relatively m0 able vertebrae sup-porting members carried by said frame, and means coacting with said first meansfor imparting vibratory movements to said frame.

41. In an apparatus of the class described, a. set of relatively movable. vertebra? supporting members each adapted to straddle and support a respective vertebra at opposite sides of its longitudinal center.

42. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of relatively movable members, andvertebrae supporting pads movably car- 43. In an apparatus of the class described,

a plurality of relatively movable upright members each member having pads for sup porting engagement with a respective vertebra at opposite sides of its longitudinal center.

ist. In an apparatus of the class described, separate vertebrae supporting members, and means carrying said members for movement together and relative to each other lengthwise of the apparatus;

45. In an apparatus of the class described, separate relatively movable vertebrae supporting members, and means for vibrating.

said members.

46. In-an apparatus of the class described, separate relatively movable members each having transversely spaced vertebrae engaging parts, and means for applying .heat between the parts of said members.

47. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of members having transversely spaced vertebrze'engaging parts, and electrical heating elements carried by some of said members for applying heat between the vertebrae engaging parts thereof.

48. In an apparatus "of the class described, a couch, a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members arranged in a. set extending lengthwisev of the couch, said members being adjustable lengthwise of the couch, and means for supporting the members in upright position in any position of adjustment thereof.

e9. In an apparatus of the class described,

a couch having a longitudinally extending space therein, a plurality of upright mem-" bers rising througl'i said space and having individual vertebra supporting parts, means supporting said members for yielding vertical and for swinging andrelative adjusting movements lengthwise of the couch, and

means adjustable within said space lengthwise thereof for resisting an outward swinging of said members at one end of the set in any position of adjustment thereof.

50. In an apparatus of the class described, a frame, a plurality of vertebrae supporting members and a hip supporting member carried by said frame, and means for imparting vibratory. movements to the frame.

- 51. In an apparatus ofthe class described, I

a frame,- a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members and a hip supporting member carried by said frame for adjustment lengthwise thereof.

. 52. In an apparatus of the class described,- a vertically adjustable frame, a plurality of" relatively movable vertebrae supporting members anda .hip supporting member carried by said frame for yielding vertical movements relativethereto.

53. In an apparatus of the class described,

a frame, a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members and a hip supporting member carr ed for vertical yieldmg movements by said frame.

'54. In an apparatus of the class described, I

a frame, a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members and a hip supporting member yieldingly carried by said thereof. L 1

55. In a machine of the class described, a

vertically adjustable frame, a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting means for supporting said yoke and normally being inactive, andmeans operable to. bring the second spring means into action when the yoke has been lowered a preder termined extent.

58. In an apparatus of the class described, a vertebra. supporting member having a. downwardly projecting stem provided with ratchet teeth, a slide head mounted on said stem, a pawl carried by said head and normally engaging said teeth to cause the yoke:

and head to have downward movements together, a compression spring interposed between said head and yoke, a second compression spring interposed below said head, a subjacent ,support for said spring, andmeans for effecting av tripping of saidzpawl frame for relative adjustment lengthwise V membersand a hip supporting member carto release the stem' when the yoke andg stem have been lowered a predetermined extent, thereby neutralizing. the lowering pressure 'on the yoke between said springs.

59. In an apparatus of the class described,

a vertically adjustable frame, and an incl vidualvertebra supporting member yieldingly carried by said frame for adjustment therewith. V

j 60. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae supporting members, and vertically adjustable means carrying said members.

' 61. In an apparatus of the class described, avertically adjustable frame, and a plurality of relatively movable vertebrae sup'porting members yieldingly carried by said frame.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name to this-specification.

' ARNOLD A. POOL. 

